The barbecue was actually a lot of fun. We were there from 3:00 until 10:00 and had a good time. Especially because I got the secret to the famous potatoes!! Hooray! Both “friends” were very friendly and nice. I don’t know what is going on, and don’t really care… I’ll just continue on my own little path.  {see how you have grown grasshopper…..}

I received grades for one of my classes 73 of 75 possible points. That’s decent,  I can live with that, especially since each assignment is truly work for me this semester.

Today, my family is going in different directions.

Silver_fangz is going to the beach with best friend and fellow trouble maker. Squirt is going to the Sports park (putt-putt golf, water boats, extreme trampoline and rock climbing wall) with friends. And hubby and I are thinking about catching a matinee — all by our little ole twosome. I know it sounds horrible, but I am really looking forward to some alone time with Hubby while the girls are gone this summer. Then I am really looking forward to some alone time — all by myself, when I go to NM this summer.

I have always taken some time to myself. I’ve taken vacations to visit friends, time out by myself or with friends and time with just my hubby. I know some people say “I could never leave my kids for _____ long”. Well you know what? My kids are always better off for it when I get back! I am rejuvenated. I am energized and I am me again. After awhile, it’s easy to lose yourself in your daily life. I become “mom” or Mrs. C, or SMSGT Hubby’s wife, or the student, or teacher. My individuality gets muddled in the midst of all these roles…. so I take some time, hang out with some friends, do stuff I want to do and come back — ME…. ready to take on all my roles again.

Question for the day:

Me time? or all Family Time?

You Are 84% Happy

It’s unlikely that you know anyone happier than you. You know how to be happy, no matter what life throws at you.

Solving this jigsaw puzzle and posting about this U.S. Cellular sweepstakes makes me eligible for free Xanga Premium for life…

You know I had to give this a try!

So I have a ton of school work to do. Then later on we are attending a going away luau and barbecue.

I know, I know. This is the one that I was talking about. I got an invitation late that evening via email. I think that the hostess found out that I knew about the party. One of the families going away is very sweet… a NCO family. I was talking to her when I found out. She asked me if I was going to go the barbecue on the 27th, that was being thrown for them and the other family. I had to tell her I didn’t think I was invited because I knew nothing about it. She was very surprised because the lady throwing is is supposedly a friend of mine. She was also upset, I could tell. I tried to tell her it was ok and not a big deal, but she was still upset. I think she may have said something that precipitated my receiving of the invitation.

That caused another dilemma. I really like this family, but I didn’t want to go if I was only invited because I was the girl your mom made you invite when I found out about the party so I didn’t feel bad.

Anyways…. we’re going.

If it wasn’t for the T family, I wouldn’t. Like I said in early posts, I don’t do politicky type stuff. If I’m not wanted, I feel free to stay the heck away. I don’t feel any compulsion to go make nice with stuck up ass wipes.

Ohhh welll. Lucky for me, my remaining year here is pretty booked solid with my college and the kids homeschooling, so I don’t have to worry about being bored!

I do miss my fellow NCO wives —- (some more than others  – [*cough*ThisIsBullDookie*cough*] and some friends from Beale). I can get along with O wives, but inevitably their politicing, one upmanship and air of superiority tick me off and I bail. 

Enough deep discussion and thoughtful introspection (yeah… like that’s what was going on).

Everyone have a great Memorial Day!

A pineapple plant growing a red pineapple.

A teenage girl’s performance for the biggest b**ch category. (She may just win — and no, she’s not one of mine!)

Two abandoned vehicles with smashed out windows and no tires. (not burnt yet though!)

An abandoned baby stroller….  (?????)

A pickup camper shell covered with antlers… (no I’m not kidding).

A new road that is 15 feet up, for no apparent reason.

A radio war between a highway construction guy’s heavy metal and a local boy’s rap.

A lady who was incapable of turning into the near lane.

5 cars that had to stop before merging into traffic.

A broken water line that was watering the highway instead of the landscaping. (and my freshly washed Jeep — )

Regular gas for $3.66/ gallon —

The world’s slowest gas pump.

4 large summer intern AF Cadets in a compact car.

And finally….. 35 + people talking on their cell phones while driving. 

I have tickets!!! I’m going to NM this summer and getting off this constricting island paradise for just a couple of short weeks!! I am soooooooo excited!

Unfortunately, I’ll be in a little town that has less to offer than this dang blasted island. Harrumph. My mom and dad had mentioned taking a trip to see some of the places we lived when I was a kid, so I suggested that we go ahead and do that while I’m there…. at least maybe get to a town that has a Target…. and a Macaroni Grill or Olive Garden— anything besides wally word and Da Kitchen. PLEASE!!!

I found the tickets at an awesome price — 379.00 round trip! I couldn’t believe it! And it’s a non stop flight from Kahului to Phoenix..no stopping and changing planes. From there I’ll probably take a shuttle to Tucson, meet up with one of my best friends there for lunch and then my mom and dad will pick me up from there. Hmmmm… maybe I should try to stay overnight there, as Tucson has a Macaroni Grill, Olive Garden, Target, Michaelis, Hobby Lobby… you name it they have it!! (they also have severe traffic, high crime, high taxes and ridiculously high temperatures!!  )

Been working on my school work, trying to get caught up. Been home schooling the kids… trying to get caught up. Doing the laundry (can you finish this sentence….)…… Trying to get caught up!

I told the kids if they worked extra hard for me this week we would go see X-3 when it comes out on Friday… so far they are heading to the movies Friday for an “incentive” field trip. Hey, I figure if the public schools can do that, SO CAN I!

Alright, I need to go clean the kitchen and pick up the living room — AGAIN [insert hopeless resignation to life of drudgery here].

Question for the day:

If you could take a short trip to any state this summer, where would you go and what would you do while there?

  This weekend was fairly productive, but today I had another mental relapse.

I’ve had such a hard time getting my thoughts focused and completing my assignments. Heck even writing a blog has been a real struggle. I know, some people may be going….. so??? Happens all the time…. but you have to understand, not to me.

When I was doing my undergraduate work, I once had three 5-10 page papers due in one weekend. I completed all three in one afternoon. Writing just naturally comes easy. Of course, that is certain types of writing. I used to write pages and pages of poetry. I’ve filled journal after journal of my ramblings and incoherencies. Writing essays was no problem… 10 page paper, no problem… A research paper with references… no problem….

Till now.

Now….. I struggle to pound out two short paragraphs for my weekly discussions. My papers, lesson plans and miscellaneous assignments are torture. I open up the word document and it just sits there….. screen blank, cursor blinking ominously and the keyboard stubbornly resisting any attempts I make to put together thoughtful sentences….heck even thoughtless sentences.

This has NEVER happened to me. My mind is a blank screen…. all my thoughts seem to have dribbled out of my ears. I HATE THIS! I feel…..stupid. Not my forte’!!!

I certainly have more compassion and empathy for my husband, who struggles with writing. I never understood how it could be so difficult. Now I know. And I have to say……. Ignorance was bliss!!!

So…. Question for the day: which describes you….

 Prolific writer… or …. perpetual block???                

**** edit *****

Well for the end of this perfect issue…. the Kween_of_the_Queens has posted a new writing challenge (well that should be fun!!)… if you belong to the Kween_of _Queens blogring, or would like to join in our writing challenges, go visit her site and see what it’s all about!

Kween_of_the_Queens  

or check out the blog ring here Kween_of_the_Queens blogring, it’s lots of fun…everyone join in!

Assignments read and discussions question answered and posted — check

Lesson plan w/ rubrics completed and submitted — check

Kitchen cleaned, laundry folded and girls chores done — check

Church attended — check

Family movie — CHECK — Over the Hedge — Too Funny!!!!   STELLA………………!!!!!! Ok, at any rate it was an excellent family movie and once again Dreamworks pulled out all the stops and came up with a unique idea, a great cast and great animation! LOVED IT!!

Not much to say, I’m thinking of going back to NM for a week or so this summer, so I’m off to check airline ticket prices. Ya’ll have a fantastic night and a great Monday!

Here’s some more Funnies:

More How To Know You’re Ready For Parenthood

NIGHT TEST: Prepare by obtaining a small cloth bag and fill it with 8 to 12 pounds of sand. Soak it thoroughly in water. At 8 PM begin to waltz and hum with the bag until 9 PM. Lay down your bag and set your alarm for 10:00 PM. Get up, pick up your bag, and sing every song you have ever heard. Make up about a dozen more and sing them until 4:00 AM. Set alarm for 5:00 AM. Get up and make breakfast. Keep this up for 5 years. Look cheerful.

PHYSICAL TEST (WOMEN): Obtain a large bean-bag chair and attach it to the front of your clothes. Leave it there for 9 mo. Now remove 10% of the beans.

PHYSICAL TEST (MEN): Go to the nearest drug store. Set your wallet on the counter. Ask the clerk to help himself. Now proceed to the nearest food store. Go to the head office and arrange for your paycheck to be directly deposited to the store. Purchase a newspaper. Go home and read it quietly for the last time.

FINAL ASSIGNMENT: Find a couple who already has a small child. Lecture them on how they can improve their child’s discipline, patience, tolerance, toilet training, and table manners. Suggest many things they can improve as well. Emphasize to them that they should never allow their children to run riot. Enjoy this experience. It will be the last time you’ll have all the answers

Finally!! A season finale that was excellent without being traumatic and heart wrenching!! And Grisom and Sarah FINALLY got together — after 6 long season of suspense, finally, they get to connect. Jeez… the suspense was killing me!

Ok for those who missed it yesterday, the Teaching blog was tongue in cheek — we don’t examine real blood, I don’t assign 25 pages of homework, and I would never be that flippant about cause and effect events in history… obviously, not a big success and now I know something I didn’t yesterday… I can’t write parodies….

Ok, so Silver_Fangz was supposed to have a date this afternoon. And before everyone has a cow, I didn’t approve it… daddy did. In addition.. it was a group setting with friends. Then, the plans got all screwed up and she ended up not being able to connect with him. Her and her girlfriend went to a separate movie by themselves… . I feel bad for her. But maybe things will work out for the future. The boy is very nice, in her confirmation class and honors english class. His dad is in the Army so he understands military life — I know! I know! Perfect huh??? Probably too good to be true. He’s very unique and individual (he has a mohawk and wears a sport coat for a jacket) but seemingly a great all around guy. We’ll see. More than anything I just want her to be happy. With who she is and who she hangs around with. This is the part of parenting that is so much fun….. this and cleaning up puke at 2:00 am. Those are the battles that earn us the Golden Heart Medal in motherhood. Hooah! Go Moms!!!

*****Edit********

ok, so I’ve been corrected. The boys did find them, actually they were very sweet and came by the house looking for her since they had lost her number. We had already left in an effort to catch up with them. The guys found them as they were entering the movie theater. They ended up hanging out after the movie and had a great time. In addition…. he’s not in her honors class, this year! He will be next year!

****End Edit******

I’m so glad that it’s Friday!! I have a ton of homework to do tonight and this week end… yuck and double yuck. However, did finally make the decision to not take any courses this summer. I’ve still been hem-hawing about it, but today I made the decision and took the steps necessary.

Looks like I may be home schooling the landlord’s son next year…. which is good, and then.. it’s bad. But maybe I’ll be able to truly help him see some progress and have some achievement, while making money at the same time. We’ll see………………

Have a nice week end everyone. Here’s a funny for you, to brighten up your Friday!

How To Know You’re Ready For Parenthood

MESS TEST: Smear peanut butter on the sofa and curtains. Now rub your hands in the wet flower bed and rub on the walls. Cover the stains with crayons. Place a fish stick behind the couch and leave it there all summer.

TOY TEST: Obtain a 55-gallon box of Legos. (If Legos are not available, you may substitute roofing tacks or broken bottles.) Have a friend spread them all over the house. Put on a blindfold. Try to walk to the bathroom or kitchen. Do not scream (this could wake a child at night).

GROCERY STORE TEST: Borrow one or two small animals (goats are best) and take them with you as you shop at the grocery store. Always keep them in sight and pay for anything they eat or damage.

DRESSING TEST: Obtain one large, unhappy, live octopus. Stuff it into a small net bag making sure that all arms stay inside.

FEEDING TEST: Obtain a large plastic milk jug. Fill it halfway with water. Suspend from the ceiling with a stout cord. Get the jug swinging. Try to insert spoonfuls of soggy cereal (such as Fruit Loops or Cheerios) into the mouth of the jug while pretending to be an airplane. Now dump the contents of the jug on the floor.

I was reading one of my teacher magazines and it was discussing the Geek’s Guide to teaching the Modern Age. It was VERY interesting. One thing that came up several times was the use of a professional blog….. hmmmm

Let me get this straight… they WANT me to blog?? HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!

They also suggested being capable of making and playing podcasts, using search engines, email and digital photography. OK, those are no-brainers. Those help me plan, stay connected and make my instructing interesting. But blogging….I’m allllll over that!!

As I thought about it, I could see how helpful that would be. It might look something like this:

May 18, 2006

What an interesting day. Today the class performed a classroom experiment where we examined some cells under a microscope. We practiced making wet mount slides and stains. Aside from one small accident with the open iodine bottle, all went well. We learned that cells are very difficult to see as they are made up mostly of water. Luckily we saved some blood from last week’s playground accident, so tomorrow we get to check that out.

In addition we watched an informative video about the Ancient Romans and all the technological advances they made such as using concrete in building and creation of a mass water transportation system. It’s still a mystery to us why they fell, especially since they were so advanced !

In math we continue to study the use of plots, looking again at box and whisker plots, stem and leaf plots and scatter plots. We will be looking at burial plots next week.

In Language Arts we are continuing our reading of the Phantom Tollbooth. In addition we are working on a poetry unit and are studying Clerihews this week. Look for examples of these in your students work. If you don’t find any, maybe they haven’t been paying attention in class.

Homework for tonight:

Math: box and whisker plots 25 pages, due tomorrow.

Spelling: study for test

Reading: read 20 minutes, preferably from a book that has words, not just pictures.

Next week will be moving on with art and working with symmetrical and asymmetrical designs. See if you can find some of these around your home or while your out and about. If so please bring them in, because I need those to finish my decorating scheme for my new house.

Tomorrow is Friday so remember those Library Books!! (The class library fines have reached the point where they are ready to repo the classroom so let’s not add fuel to the fire).

Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire.
William Yeats

Mrs. C

What do you think? Would that be helpful, interesting, or even worth the server space??

 People to People meeting today. I think Silver_Fangz is getting excited. What’s not to be excited about?? Traveling to Europe, visiting Great Britain, Scotland, Whales and Ireland. Hmmm… 14 and loose (ok, supervised, but still) in Europe. That’s exciting stuff.

Unfortunately, her delegation leader is not what you would call and interesting and innovative teacher. He’s more the stereotypical Ferris Bueller History teacher… you know, monotone, repetitive and totally mundane. “Bueller,…… Bueller…… Bueller…..Yeah… I left half way through the meeting… it was either that or slide into a slow leisurely comma. Too bad the kids had to stay, I’m sure they would rather be getting a root canal….. or something.

NCIS was a heart wrencher!! I can’t believe Gibbs is leaving….. I just won’t believe it. I’m tired of these hit shows feeling like they need to shock their viewers by killing off someone or having main characters leave. Why can’t we just go with the hit show, why do we need to continue change things???

I HATE change!

I know, for a military wife that’s not a good attitude, but there you go….I’m not a good military wife. I don’t play well with others, I hate rules and regulations and I don’t do politics….. It’s amazing that I haven’t caused my hubby any real grief in the last 20 years…..ok, well any real grief with the Air Force. I’m managed plenty of mischief in our home…. muahhaahhaaaa!!!

What about you??? Rule follower or free loving and flexible considering rules more of “guidelines”?